Key points
- Dubai Law No. 8 of 2007 requires a dedicated escrow account, opened in the project's name with a RERA-approved bank, before any off-plan marketing.
- Buyers' funds may only fund that project's construction and are shielded from the developer's creditors.
- Withdrawals are released against verified construction milestones; 5% is retained for one year after completion.
- Law No. 13 of 2008 created the interim register: every off-plan sale must be recorded in the DLD's Oqood system.
- A careful buyer demands a bank-issued escrow receipt — never a developer receipt.
What does escrow actually change?
Each project must have its own account with a RERA-approved bank. Buyers' money is ring-fenced to that project and protected from the developer's creditors — a complete shift of counterparty risk.
What must the developer produce?
Trade licence, land title deed, approved designs, auditor-certified project financials, standard sale agreement, and proof of a 20% capital deposit or equivalent bank guarantee (Law No. 9 of 2007).
How are funds released?
Against verified construction milestones, with 5% retained for one year post-completion to answer for defects.
What is Oqood for?
Law No. 13 of 2008 requires each off-plan sale to be recorded in the DLD interim register (Oqood): legal evidence of the buyer's interest, protection against double-selling. The protection exists provided one deals only with registered projects, verified escrow accounts and traceable payments — three conditions our Dubai operations impose on themselves. Article d'information générale, vérifié à la date de publication. La réglementation évolue : chaque opération appelle l'analyse de conseils locaux habilités.